The Blue & Gray Press

THE

BLUE &GRAY

September 12, 2019

VOLUME 93 | ISSUE 2

PRESS

1922 Stuart and Rashid discuss student debt, abortion and equal rights at UMW-hosted Senate debate

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

money.

“Since the 1970s the government has bailed out the banks and Wall Street and corporations to the tune In a debate at UMW’s Stafford of over $10 trillion… Meanwhile, Campus on Sept. 5, two candidates while the government loans these fought for control over the 28th District corporations money...they do so at 0 to of Virginia’s Senate seat.

1 percent interest,” said Rashid. “But Richard Stuart, the Republican when it comes to our next generation of incumbent, ran on a platform centered around transportation and the middle class they do it at 6 to 7 to 8 percent interest.” decongestion of roads, support for the “The government is picking winners Second Amendment and anti-abortion and losers. The winners are those who movement. His Democratic opponent, are already extraordinarily wealthy and Qasim Rashid, campaigned for access the losers are those that are desperately to healthcare, ensuring equal rights for trying and clawing to get up to the middle class,” said Rashid.

Stuart’s beliefs concerning debt forgiveness align with the values he was taught as a child. “[I] was taught that your word means something and when you make a commitment you honor that commitment. When you borrow money to go to school—college, law school, you’re making a commitment to pay that money Students and community members turned out for the 28th District Senate debate on UMW’s Stafford campus.

Qasim Rashid / Facebook back, and then to turn women and the LGBTQ+ community and pro-abortion rights.

Moderating the debate was Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at UMW. The candidates discussed student debt and the possibility of loan forgiveness. The opening question on debt forgiveness was directed at Rashid, due to a tweet he shared regarding his experience with his own law school loans and his desire to cancel student debt.

Rashid talked about the injustice he sees in the government’s lending of

Sophia Maldonado Staff Writer

around and say I shouldn’t have to pay that back...is flat wrong,” said Stuart.

Several UMW students attended the debate.

“I support equal rights for everybody and if we could get abortion neutral language into the Equal Rights Amendment I would vote for it.”

-Richard Stuart “It was interesting to see the incumbent respond to issues and how a new guy responds to it. And I feel like it might have been not so evenly matched in terms of straight facts, but it was still fascinating to hear from both candidates,” said Olivia Harrington, a sophomore political science major.

Abortion and the Equal Rights Amendment were also discussed by the candidates. When asked whether or not the amendment should be ratified, Stuart responded that he would vote for it, but only if it contained abortion neutral language.

“The real issue that has come up with the Equal Rights Amendment is this, is not so much about equal rights, it’s about tax payer •debate | 7

FSEM Writing Cohort introduced to aid freshman writing skills Ella Green Staff Writer

be able to conduct an initial assessment of writing areas that need improvement on a case-by-case basis. Participating FSEMs will be partnered with a student Writing Center consultant, who in turn will have tutoring hours reserved in the weeks leading up to a writing

UMW faculty and those in charge of the First Year Experience are piloting a new program this fall to assess and aid freshman writing. Select firstyear seminars (FSEMs) are participating in this program, “Everyone has their strong suits in which is being referred to as writing. There are definitely areas of the FSEM Writing Cohort.

“We would like to see what writing that everyone has that might writing skills our first-year require more help.” students come into UMW with and tailor our writing instruction to the areas of -Olivia Childers greatest need during the fall semester FSEM,” said Dr. April assignment for students in the FSEM. Wynn, faculty director of the First “Each FSEM class will get a report Year Experience and the director of the on areas of writing that class could use FSEM Writing Cohort program. more time devoted to and instructors Through the use of a pre-test and will be made aware of those [areas] at post-test model, FSEM professors and about a third of the way through the those participating in the program will semester,” said Wynn.

IN THIS

ISSUE

LGBTQ Novels

The Writing Cohort is designed to aid both freshman writing skills in the partnered FSEMs and participating FSEM faculty in their understanding of their students’ needs. “[The goal is] a semester where FSEM instructors feel supported to teach writing, where students that are in FSEM sections that are part of the Cohort show gains in writing ability over the semester and where students in the Cohort sections have larger

•Fsem | 2

Freshmen in participating FSEMs will be paired with a Writing Center consultant to evaluate their writing.

John Wray / The Blue & Gray Press

Straight Pride

Championship Team

Students consider LGBTQfriendly adult novel boom.

Straight pride parade in Boston was disrespectful.

Mens soccer seeks to win third championship in three years.

LIFE | 4

VIEWPOINTS | 3

SPORTS | 8

NEWS

Editors: Kate Seltzer & Abigail Buchholz | blueandgray.news@gmail.com

Pilot program enhances First BLUE & GRAY Year Experience resources PRESS THE

MISSION The Blue & Gray Press is published every Thursday in the University Apartments Clubhouse for our university community. The goal of The Blue & Gray Press is to produce high quality and accurate news in a manner compliant with the Society of Professional Journalists ethics code. In its coverage, The Blue & Gray Press strives to highlight the community of the University of Mary Washington, as well as deliver fair and accurate coverage on the issues important to our students.

EDITORS-AT-LARGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lauren Closs

Associate Editors Grace Winfield Ginny Bixby

Buisness Manager Lucas Burkholder

SECTION EDITORS NEWS Kate Seltzer Abigail Buchholz

VIEWPOINTS Alicen Hackney

LIFE Cosima Pellis

gains in writing than

Experience this year compared to previous years. said Wynn.

“I am most excited about the The program will also provide data collaborative aspect of the new that can be used to improve the First program – between the Writing Year Experience for future freshman Center, the FSEM instructors and classes. the students,” Henry explained. “I “If effective, I would like to see think that this model will encourage the program grow [to include more more creative thinking and innovative sections] and to use the data on what approaches to improve student writing skills our first-year students writing.” come to UMW with Henry to better inform how hopes that the “For me it is an exciting we teach writing in the system will FSEM,” Wynn said. development, because it is encourage a Some freshmen personal a new program and as such more have mixed feelings relationship is a bit experimental. We about the initiative. to develop “Everyone has are all working together to between the their strong suits see what works and what FSEM student in writing,” said and their paired does not as we shape the tutor, which freshman Olivia Childers. “There are some students program together.” definitely areas of may find useful writing that everyone when trying to -Dr. Christine Henry has that might require improve their more help.” writing.

Childers said she “That tutor understood how resources like the gets to know the students’ strengths Cohort and the Writing Center would and weaknesses and can be creative be useful but was unsure if she would in finding ways to address those use them herself. challenges,” said Henry. “With the “I feel like I’m getting a lot of that Writing Center, students may not get from the professor,” she said. the same tutor each time they use that Since the program is in its first resource; this way both the tutor and year, development and evolution of student will have the experience of the pilot relies on input from all those seeing their writing evolve.” participating. Dr. Christine Henry of Henry added, “Success for me the historic preservation department would be [that] each student in my teaches the FSEM “See the USA! The FSEM leaves the class feeling more History of Roadtripping in American confident in their writing and also Culture,” and is participating in the they know what aspects and skills FSEM Writing Cohort pilot this year. they need to focus on to improve their “For me it is an exciting own writing in the future.” development, because it is a The FSEM Writing Cohort pilot new program and as such is a bit program aims to improve upon experimental,” said Henry. “We are the First Year Experience and help all working together to see what freshmen students better adjust to the works and what does not as we shape new academic challenges they will the program together.” face in college.

According to Wynn, the “I hope that we will be able to combination of many campus cater the experience more directly resources working together is what to the students we have as opposed makes the FSEM Writing Cohort to designing a one size fits all program unique to the First Year approach,” Henry said.

•fsem | 1 the average [student],”

Adventure Brewing will move into the space previously occupied by Blackstone in Eagle Village.

Shelby Bell / The Blue & Gray Press

Adventure Brewing to open in Eagle Village Jai-Leah Garcia Staff Writer

SPORTS Jack Hagn

ONLINE Meaghan McIntyre Samuel Cobb

PHOTO Cayley McGuire Noah Strobel

FACULTY ADVISOR Sushma Subramanian

2

April Wynn and other UMW faculty hope to expand the cohort in coming years.

John Wray / The Blue & Gray Press

The University of Mary Washington Foundation announced that in late fall of 2019, Adventure Brewing will open in Eagle Village in the storefront that used to house Blackstone Coffee.

The brewery currently has one other location in Stafford. UMW and Adventure Brewing do not have a deal

“We’re planning on several beers and hard seltzers that will be exclusive to the Eagle Village location.”

-Tim Bornholtz that goes beyond tenant leasing, and the university has not officially stated if they will receive profits from the company.

Tim Bornholtz, co-owner of Adventure Brewing, said he is enthusiastic about the opening and how it will attract college students to Eagle Village.

“I think younger people are a little more eager to try experimental flavors, so we’re planning on several beers and hard seltzers that will be exclusive to the Eagle Village location,” said Bornholtz.

Several students are looking forward to the opening of the new location.

“I think it’s a cool location to hang out since it’s close by. It’s inclusive towards everyone,” said Adara MackDonell, a freshman history major.

Others, on the other hand, are less enthused.

“It’s not too beneficial to campus, especially since not many students are of legal drinking age,” said Kelsey Sheffer, a senior political science and religion major.

“I’m not a fan •Brewery | 7 of beer so I

CORRECTIONS for THE Week PLEASE REPORT ANY MISTAKES SEEN IN THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS TO Lauren Closs, blueandgray.eic@gmail.com or Sushma Subramanian, ssubrama@umw.edu

Thursday, September 12, 2019

VIEWPOINTS

Editor: Alicen Hackney | blueandgray.views@gmail.com

Straight pride insults LGBTQ+ progress

It’s June. As I scroll through my It is also currently still legal to force a VICTORIA LARIMER Staff Writer Twitter feed, my eyes pass over the minor to undergo gay conversion therapy assortment of bright colors, motivational in 42 states. stories and outreach support for the LGBTQ community. My Until 2015, it was illegal to marry someone of the same thumbs stop. “What about us?” reads one tweet. Another, “Why sex. And although it is now legal, it is still not easy or widely don’t we have a straight pride month?” accepted. Let us not forget the cake debacle involving I had never paid much attention to it. To me, it is an easy Masterpiece’s owner Jack Phillips refusing to make a gay question to answer. There is no need for straight pride, as the couple’s wedding cake--and the Supreme Court’s ruling in his heterosexual community does not have to undergo the same favor. oppression and difficulties that the LGBTQ community faces.

This is what real oppression looks like and is the day to day Because of this, I never thought that I would see these angry reality for the LGBTQ community. posts become a reality. On Aug. 31, a conservative organization, Senior political science and English major, Alexander Super Happy Fun America, organized a straight pride parade in Rudenshiold shared his reality as a gay man in society. “I’m Boston, Massachusetts. lucky to be surrounded by people who support me and my The parade had an estimated 200 attendees and about 600 identity. That said, the number of times I’ve been confronted counter-protestors. with violence and issued death threats by random people just President of Super Happy Fun America, John Hugo, for existing is breathtaking.” organized the event.

In a world where the “Straight people are an LGBTQ community is oppressed majority. We constantly facing different will fight for the right forms of oppression, of straights everywhere members need some way in to express pride in which they can show that themselves without fear despite all of the pushback, of judgement and hate,” they are still here. said Hugo. “[Pride] is a kind Hugo’s claim is of peaceful protest outrageous. There against the oppression has not yet been an of our community and instance in which a a celebration of our person has lost their job, continued survival. The been denied housing concept of straight pride or has faced physical makes a mockery of the and verbal assault for struggles the LGBTQ+ Police hold line against anti-straight pride parade protesters.

Joseph Prezioso / Getty Images an act as simple as people have suffered and holding hands because they were heterosexual. This, “straight continue to suffer for the right to live and love,” said senior oppression” Hugo describes, does not exist. marketing major Caitlin Exum.

In the United States, there are currently no federal laws that Pride is more than just donning rainbow outfits and partying ban discrimination based on one’s sexual orientation or gender in the streets during the parade. Pride is about affirming to the identity. According to the American Psychological Association, community and the world that LGBTQ individuals are valid 42 to 68 percent of LGBTQ individuals have reported and deserving of recognition. It is a platform to raise awareness experiencing employment discrimination, while 47 percent of for issues that have plagued this community, such as AIDS and transgender individuals reported being discriminated against in violence. situations of hiring, firing and promotions. In addition to this, Pride is an important part of the LGBTQ experience. Until over 25 percent of transgender individuals reported they had heterosexual people truly experience the oppressions and harsh lost their job due to their gender identity. realities that the LGBTQ community faces, there is no need for Up until the passing of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd a straight pride parade.

Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in 2009, hate crimes against Be proud of who you are no matter your identity, but people due to their gender, sexual orientation or gender identity acknowledge your advantage. Don’t insult the LGBTQ were not criminalized. Additionally, Virginia’s current hate community, my community, by trivializing what we have been crime law does not cover sexual orientation or gender identity. through.

Staff Ed: World Suicide Prevention Day

By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD

Since 2003, World Suicide Prevention Day has been observed every Sept. 10 in order to provide worldwide commitment to suicide prevention. Suicide weighs heavily on many of those around us, including ourselves. Save.org states that suicide is the second leading cause of death in the world for those aged 1524.

During this week of National Suicide Prevention, we support and acknowledge those whose lives are affected by suicide.

This includes people who have lost someone to suicide, people who have attempted suicide, people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and people who are dealing with the aftermath of a suicide or suicide attempt.

It is our hope that we can cultivate a community that turns to self-care instead of self-harm.

You don’t have to suffer in silence or fight your battle alone. To anyone who has been affected by suicide, please know that there are resources available to you.

The Talley Center for Counseling Services may be reached at (540) 654-1053. The following resources are available 24/7: Crisis Text Line at 741741; the National Hopeline Network at 1-800-SUICIDE; the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK; and the Northern VA Crisis Hotline at 1-703-527-4077.

Language should be studied for passion, not prerequisite EDWARD MUSSEY Staff Writer Among Virginia universities, and even across the nation, extensive foreign language requirements are not widely required in the college curriculum anymore. It’s understandable that UMW wants students to be versed in other languages. There are benefits to being bilingual, such as immersing oneself into different cultures and even at the workplace. However, asking students to take four courses to be able to graduate is too much.

UMW has already decided to change the requirements for the beginning of the fall 2020 year to better suit students by requiring students to only show competency through level 201. UMW academic services declined to comment on the matter of the foreign language graduation requirements, but UMW faculty will be meeting this fall semester to discuss changes to the foreign language requirement as well as other graduation requirements. This change is a good sign that the university is heading in the right direction, but it doesn’t make a difference for students who are currently required to take them.

The foreign language requirement is unpopular among students currently attending UMW including senior Phillip Manceri who learned Spanish outside a classroom setting and struggles within it.

“I’ve learned and spoke Spanish my whole life, to come here and have to take the class makes no sense especially since I ended up doing poorly in it,” said Manceri.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Much like Manceri, some students struggle in their language courses, the dreaded class leaving its mark on transcripts and GPAs. Moreover, there is also the issue of retaining the information. If someone already has anxiety toward learning a language, or complete disinterest, they are much less likely to retain the content.

If people don’t constantly use a language or study it, they will forget. Often it is nearly impossible to schedule all four classes consecutively, the summer or two-semester gap increasing the difficulty. In my opinion, if someone doesn’t intend to continue further in their studies, why learn it in the first place?

It’s also a heavy workload. Learning a language can be beneficial if someone will be doing business overseas or with foreign companies. However, in many other fields this knowledge just isn’t needed. In my opinion, having students learn a language that will never be used is like buying a house but never living in it. If it’s not used, it’s a waste of time and money.

Advancements in technology have also made learning a foreign language unnecessary since everyone can use a smartphone to communicate with one another and devices can translate in real time.

It is better to allow students to choose elective classes that will benefit them more since UMW offers a plethora of diverse classes that people already struggle to fit into four years. Students should be allowed to fill their busy schedules with courses that interest them, instead of learning basic Spanish or French.

However, the student experience, and certainly a

liberal arts college experience, is hindered by UMW requiring students to take a language. UMW offering so many languages is not a bad thing, but UMW requiring students to take one, is.

Schools like Virginia Commonwealth University don’t require students to take two years of language.

Old Dominion University and Virginia Tech are other Virginia universities that fall on the list.

UMW is a great school, but it’s not great that they force foreign languages onto people. That is something that should be changed not just for future students but current students as well. College is a time for people to explore new ideas and beliefs and to grow. Forcing students to take classes they have no interest in is a waste of their time.

While UMW may be trying to meet students in the middle with their new language requirement, they need to just do away with it all together.

Freshman Eden Shenal, a prospective English major, studies for her Spanish conversation and grammar class.

Sarah Sklar / The Blue & Gray Press

3

LIFE

Editor: Cosima Pellis blueandgray.life@gmail.com

Readers crave diversification of LGBTQ literature

KATIA SAVELYEVA Staff Writer

“The Perks of Being A Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky was met with criticism when it was published in 1999 for its inclusion of a gay character, even being banned from some schools. This was the pop-cultural landscape of young adult literature in the 2000s and early 2010s— LGBTQ representation in a financially successful novel was a cause for some degree of outrage.

Over the last decade, however, this

Stephen Chbosky was met with criticism for writing a gay character.

Pinterest

attitude has changed significantly: in a 2016 survey of young adult novels released by major publishers, author Malinda Lo traced its increase from just over 20 books in 2011 to 79 books in 2016. More recently, the 2018 adaptation of Becky Albertali’s novel “Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda” into

romantic comedy “Love Simon” attained financial success, grossing $66.3 million worldwide.

While young adult literature is sometimes seen as a genre for teens, many college students read it as well; and for some, the increase in LGBTQ young adult books is a specific draw.

“I really only see young adult LGBTQ novels. When I see other books, they’re often either not focused on romance or completely straight,” said sophomore English major Lexie Pound.

Sophomore English major Bernadette D’Auria says she specifically looks for young adult novels with LGBT themes.

“It’s something that I actively seek out,” said D’Auria. “I’ll look at Goodreads lists of gay characters, things like that.”

However, both Pound and D’Auria are not wholly satisfied with the market.

Pound, for instance, finds discrepancies in which demographics of LGBTQ stories receive the most publication.

“I notice most of it is men,” said Pound. “There’s not really a lot of books with LGBTQ women.”

In addition, D’Auria pointed out the lack of variety in the types of stories that dominate LGBTQ young adult novels.

“It’s often about them coming into their identities, which is nice when you yourself are coming into your identity.

But as someone who’s been out for years, I don’t want to read these comingof-age novels. I just want to read a fantasy novel or a historical fiction that just so happens to have a gay character,” said D’Auria.

D’Auria’s concern ties into a broader question about the fact that LGBTQ YA has become a recognizable label. On one

The movie adaptation, “Love Simon,” grossed $66.3 million worldwide.

Wikipedia

hand, this label exists for a reason— it makes the books easily accessible to those who wish to read these stories.

On the other hand, the moment a set of identities becomes a subgenre, the genre gains conventions. In this case, the conventions often surround the importance of “positive” representation— the idea, in this case, that it’s problematic for an LGBTQ protagonist’s story to end unhappily.

This stemmed to counter the fact that a good proportion of well-known stories featuring LGBTQ individuals have been tragic. In the mid-2010s, a media cycle of backlash against this convention developed, the primary point of which being the disproportionate deaths of

LGBTQ characters in television shows with ensemble casts. At present, the trope is far more frowned-upon. However, the undisputed fact that it matters for LGBTQ people to have stories with happy endings is not as simple as it appears at first glance.

It’s often necessary to balance fiction between a reflection of reality and fiction that presents one with hope. The fact of the matter is that LGBTQ teens and young adults, just like the rest of their age group, do not have universally positive experiences.

While a flood of positive, happy romances is encouraging to some, it is alienating to others: those who did not have their first kiss in high school, whose first relationships were unhappy or even traumatic, who figured out their identities in unexpected ways or whose material circumstances prevented them from coming out.

If novels that deviate from a romanticcomedy formula face the backlash associated with “bad representation,” the self-expression and creativity of authors with varied life experiences could be stifled.

Ultimately, the key to navigating this line is to grant these authors attention in the first place, and to understand the importance of balance. Enforced tragedy is limiting, but enforced positivity can be, too. Diversification - of story, of genre, of character and intersectional identity - is in order, and is being worked for by authors whose voices deserve to be lifted up. Most of all, the voices and perspectives of readers make a difference: they’ve gotten us this far, and will get us further.

UMW students influenced by TikTok culture and fashion trends JAMES PRYOR Staff Writer

Since the deletion of the popular six-second video app, Vine, the internet community has been migrating towards an unlikely successor: TikTok. Formerly known as Musical.ly, the app was originally used for lip-syncing videos, most of which were mocked by outsiders due to their overdramatic tones and overused special effects. However, after the merge of Musical.ly into TikTok, a shift occurred, and other internet groups began using the app.

TikTok is ahead of Twitter or Tumblr when it comes to its algorithm. Rather than relying on a system of retweeting or reblogging to spread content, each TikTok stream is tailored by the user’s interests to best suit them. Rather than going to find the content they’re looking

TikTok has had an explosion of popularity in the last year.

for, the content is brought to them.

This surprisingly accurate algorithm is one of the factors that set off TikTok’s explosion of popularity.

Niche internet communities such as furries and cosplayers came to TikTok to show off their skills in the costume making department, artists used the maximum of 60 seconds to create time lapse videos of their art coming to life, amateur and professional chefs alike posted quick tutorials on how to make anything ranging from small snacks to traditional Chinese dishes and even forgotten Vine stars started to show their faces on the app, reviving their shortlived careers.

However, one of the most prominent trends on TikTok cannot be overlooked.

Credited with fueling the “e-boy” and “e-girl” wave, the fashion community on TikTok is unparalleled. Adorning chained, cropped shirts on both men and women, ripped pants and chunky shoes, it’s almost as if emo is back in style, this time reaching an even greater audience, all thanks to TikTok. Each student at UMW has their own fashion sense. Some students may dress based on comfort and functionality, and others base it all on style. The question raised is: how does the use of TikTok affect that fashion sense?

“Not 100 percent but 90 Wikipedia percent,” said Lu

Sheikhnureldin, a sophomore who began using the app when it was on its rise to fame in October of 2018. She referenced the trend of wearing a long sleeved, black and white striped shirt under a short sleeve shirt.

“Before TikTok I wanted to layer my clothes – I’m not saying TikTok invented layering – but it’s definitely popular on there. I also think it’s a cool trend because I’m Muslim and I dress more conservatively sometimes and now it’s ‘cool’ to layer clothes, but when I was a kid people would ask why I was wearing two shirts.”

Junior Bucky Goforth, when asked about his own fashion sense, said, “I like to dress like a clown.” He gestured towards his tropical fruit print shirt and striped pants with a laugh, “I like to wear lots of bright colors and clashing prints.

I have gotten some inspiration from TikTok in terms of combinations of like shirts and pants, and different ways to style my hair.”

“I dyed my hair because of a TikTok,” said Rachel Mullins, a sophomore who now has bright cherry-red hair.

“You see a lot of trends start there, unlike how it was with Vine,” Sheikhnureldin said. “TikTok is way more accessible than Vine. I honestly prefer it over the other.”

“With TikTok you can really do more in-depth videos with more plot,” Mullins said, “it’s more interesting. And plus, it’s way easier to go viral on TikTok.” Even on UMW’s campus, there’s

a TikTok star. Noah Mazzatenta, who started using TikTok during the first week of August, quickly shot into popularity and now has 15,800 followers, with his top video having a total of 158,900 likes.

When asked about what he thinks makes a video popular, Mazzatenta said, “I would say the quality of the video, whatever you start the video off with, the cover picture and what happens in the video.” Mazzatenta also mentioned that luck plays into what gets popular on TikTok, due to the way the algorithm works.

Mazzatenta admitted that he thinks his most liked video is so popular because he took his shirt off in it. He believes that TikTok is largely about looks, adding that people like videos based on “how much they can relate to the video and their [the creator’s] looks.”

Like the neon colors and spandex of the 80’s, fashion trends from today will fade over time. Messy buns, oversized shirts, chunky shoes, pocket chains and countless others will slowly become out of style as new waves take over. With the growth of the internet, fashion trends are spreading faster and to more people within days, hours or even minutes, of videos being posted. TikTok has aided tremendously in increasing the speed at which trends are spread, reaching a further audience that can even be seen at UMW. Cosima Pellis contributed to reporting for this article.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

LIFE

Lana Del Rey captivates with new album, expands distinctive heartbreak motif

Lana Del Rey is hailed as one of the most prominent female artists today in the music industry, and more specifically the indie-alternative genre. Her music is so different from other artists that Pitchfork describes her as “one of our most complicated stars, a constantly unresolved puzzle.” Her talent does not go unnoticed, as she has recorded music for movies such as “The Great Gatsby” and Disney’s “Maleficent.” Her individuality lures people in and she captivates them with her music.

Lana Del Rey’s fifth album, “Norman F---ing Rockwell!” was released on Aug. 30, 2019, and has been long awaited by her fans and the rest of the music industry. She previously released several singles within the past year that are featured on this album such as “Venice B-tch” and “Mariners Apartment Complex.” Despite the use of little to no promotion for this album, it has been well received by both critics and the public. Rolling Stone described her latest album as a “tour of sordid American dreams, going deep cover in all our nation’s most twisted fantasies of glamour and danger.”

“Norman F---ing Rockwell!” embodies the same feel as Del Rey’s previous albums. It brings listeners back to the 70s with the retro and sultry style that Del Rey is well known for and has promoted throughout her music.

The title song depicts Del Rey singing to a lover, telling him “You’re just a man, all through and through.” She reveals the deception he has put her through, and delivers honesty about his faults. It carries dreamy background vocals and a piano accompaniment.

The track “California” speaks to someone she once had a connection with who has gone away, and offers romance if he returns to America. The song is accompanied by a solemn piano, and Del Rey’s soft-pitched crooning. The song romanticizes the idea of a relationship in California, with the lyrics, “If you come back to California, you should just hit me up/ We’ll do whatever you want, travel wherever how far.”

Throughout her album, there are signs

GRACE MONTES of heartbreak beaches to be every new release, whilst continuing to Staff Writer and mention of more beautiful stay true to her own personal style. She broken people. than they are continues to set an example for other “Cinnamon and taking on artists in the indie-alternative genre Girl” tells the story of being broken elements of other cultures to create her and distinguishes herself as an artist by before by heartbreak and expresses “persona.” creating inimitable music. While Del feelings about the relationship being Powers wrote, “Whether her music Rey continues to establish her style as a broken as well. Del Rey croons, “There makes cultural connections that are musician, the world is eager to see where are things I want to say to you, but I’ll obvious or obscure, they always feel she will go next. just let you live / But if you hold me deeply personal, without hurting me / You’ll be the first individuated, like who ever did.” The song mentions the mementos.” The use of drugs and the experience of abuse article goes on to within an unhealthy relationship. These describe Del Rey’s themes are prevalent throughout many of growth in her Del Ray’s songs. music, stating that The album is dark, as are the rest of “she has learned to her previous albums, but “Norman F-be a more specific -ing Rockwell!” holds little to no signs writer and a more of romance. The album is full of pain, adventurous heartbreak and stories of imperfection. vocalist and to NME gave the album a perfect rating make room in her of 10/10 stars, and said that the album echo-saturated “contains multitudes.” The review arrangements addresses Del Rey’s continuation of for her words to the same sound produced in her past resonate.” Whether albums, but also that “it would be easy or not Del Rey for it to feel like Lana Del Rey-byagrees fully with numbers but she avoids that by making the critique, praise something filled with beauty that subtly can still be found moves her sound on, ushering her into within it. territory marked timeless.” The album is Lana Del Rey’s not something that would be out of the music continues ordinary for her, but it contains surprises to evolve with “Norman F---ing Rockwell!” has been well recieved.

Reddit within the lyrics that keep listeners on their toes. She stays true to the same “sad girl” persona that she has been running with, but she continues to build on this with new emotions and stories within her music.

While reception of her album has been mostly positive, Del Rey responded to NPR music critic Ann Powers via Twitter, posting “Here’s a little side note on your piece - I don’t even relate to one observation you made about the music. There’s nothing uncooked about me. To write about me is nothing like it is to be with me. Never had a persona.

Never needed one. Never will.” This reaction came after Powers’ review of the album, which unravels Del Rey’s music as romanticizing concepts that do not exist, such as describing Los Angeles Lana Del Rey sets an example for other artists in her genre.

GoldDerby

Favorite songs from other Lana Del Rey albums “Norman F---ing Rockwell!” is the latest addition to Lana Del Rey’s ever-growing artistic career.

The singer’s haunting aura and ethereal lyrics are infused throughout all five of her albums. Our editorial staff came together to compile some of our favorites from her past albums.

Ride // Paradise Cola // Paradise Video Games // Born To Die Off To The Races // Born To Die Old Money // Ultraviolence Thursday, September 12, 2019

West Coast // Ultraviolence Love // Lust For Life Cherry // Lust For Life High by the Beach // Honeymoon Music To Watch Boys To // Honeymoon 5

The Blue & Gray Press

Upcoming District debates District 28 debate on Sept. 18

@theBlueandGray

theblueandgraypress

CONNECT WITH US NOW ON SNAPCHAT AS WELL

bgpress1922

• Democrat Joshua Cole v. Republican Paul Milde for the District 28 seat in the House of Delegates.

• District 28 includes parts of Stafford County and the city of Fredericksburg.

• The debate will take place Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. in Lee 411.

District 88 debate on Sept. 20 • Republican incumbent Mark Cole v.

Democrat Jess Foster for the District 88 seat in the House of Delegates.

• District 88 includes parts of Spotsylvania, Stafford and Fauquier counties, and parts of the city of Fredericksburg.

• The debate will take place Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. in Lee 411.

NEWS Senate candidates face off in 28th District debate •Debate| 1

funded abortion... I support equal rights for everybody and if we could get abortion neutral language into the Equal Rights Amendment I would vote for it,” said Stuart. “[I’m] pro-life and it’s just that simple.”

Rashid disagreed with Stuart’s take on the Equal Rights Amendment.

“The idea that we need abortion neutral language is a red herring; 37 states have already ratified the Equal Rights Amendment, and this issue didn’t come up because it’s a new issue concocted as an excuse to deny equal rights to women,” said Rashid.

Rashid further claimed to not believe Stuart’s commitment to equal

Incumbent Richard Stuart was elected to the Virginia Senate in 2007.

Richard Stuart / Facebook

rights. and to exercise that power and grab “In 2010 through this current everyone they know and bring them. assembly he has consistently voted And I would ask them if they would against legislation that would ban want to get involved in a campaign, discrimination for women and for the just to reach out, we would love to LGBTQ+ community,” said Rashid. have them.”

Stuart defended himself against Rashid’s comments.

“I have not voted consistently to discriminate against anyone. The only thing that I voted against was the Marriage Amendment because I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. You look at my other votes for the LGBT community, I’ve Democratic candidate Qasim Rashid spoke in favor of student loan voted to give everybody forgiveness and access to abortion, among other issues.

Qasim Rashid / Facebook equal rights,” said Stuart.

Following the debate, Sam Hartz, junior American studies Stuart said, “The message is very major and president of UMW Young clearly that they [young voters] need Democrats, shared his views. to get involved in their community and “I thought it was a great turnout for they need to vote for whoever they people, seems like everyone came out. think represents their values and what I look forward to having Rashid on they want to do. I think it’s incredibly campus for an event. I thought Rashid important in the US that the younger did a fantastic job…especially once you start the better it gets.” the debate started going, he shone Commenting on the vitality of through,” said Hartz. civic engagement, sophomore political Afterwards, both candidates had a science major Patrick Healy shared his message to share with young or firstthoughts. time voters.

“I think it’s good to see candidates “An important man once said that discussing ideas about what they can nations cannot be reformed without do for their community even if we the reformation of the youth,” said don’t always agree with it. I think it’s Rashid. “And so, I would ask them something that we need a bit more in [young voters] to reflect over the this country right now in our present power they’ve been given to vote political climate,” said Healy.

Students share mixed feelings on new brewery •Brewery| 2

wouldn’t be interested in going, but if my friends invite me to go, then I’ll go,” said Brianna Stumpf, a junior creative writing major.

Jeff Rountree, president of the UMW Foundation, talked about why Adventure Brewing was chosen over other options.

“It brings a younger vibe to Eagle Village and will be a good co-tenant with other merchants in Eagle Village,” said Rountree. “Popular tenants who draw a good customer base help create traffic for other merchants in Eagle Village.”

Bornholtz looks forward to having a location specifically in Fredericksburg,

where he lives.

“It makes sense to go where the people go,” he said. “With the university, the hospital and the amount of traffic that flows through and around that area, it is a great place for a brewery.”

“I think it’s a good idea for it to be located close by,” said Mackdonell. “It also can reach out with the idea of safe drinking since it’s close.”

“I hope that all students take the time to explore what Fredericksburg has to offer, from Eagle Village to downtown to Central Park,” said Rountree.

According to Bornholtz, the brewery will host events open to all students

and community members, regardless of whether they drink, as well as provide specials for students.

Adventure Brewing will be open for taste testing Monday through Thursday from 3:30-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 12-10 p.m. and Sunday from 12-6 p.m. following its opening.

“One of the cool things about breweries is that they attract all walks of life,” said Bornholtz. “I think it will be interesting to see the makeup of customers once we open.”

Adventure Brewing will be “another place to socialize, and in this case, enjoy a locally-made craft beer,” Rountree said.

POLICE BEAT ABIGAIL BUCHHOLZ & KATE SELTZER News Editors

Petit Larceny

On Tuesday September 3 between 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., a backpack was stolen from the Fitness Center.

This case is pending.

Attempted Sexual Battery On Tuesday, September 3 between 11:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m., there was an attempted sexual battery in Mason Hall. This case is pending with a Title IX and Comonwealth Attorney referral.

Vandalism

On Friday, September 6 between 6:59 p.m. and 7:15 p.m., a tire was vandalized in the William St. Apartment Lot. This case is pending.

Possession

On Sunday, September 8 at 11:55 p.m., an individual was found in possession of marijuana in Arrington Hall. One administrative referral was issued.

Assault and Batter On Tuesday, September 10 between 6:13 p.m. and 8:37 p.m., there was an incident of assault and batter and dating violence at the William Street apartments. This case is pending. A referral to the Office of Title IX was issued.

The brewery will serve drinks specific to the Eagle Village location.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Adventure Brewing / Facebook

7

SPORTS

Editor: Jack Hagn | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com

Men’s soccer seeks to complete a trifecta of CAC championships

CHRISTOPHER FOLS Staff Writer

The UMW men’s soccer team has started its season after defending the title of conference champions. This season, the team is looking to win its third conference title in three years and continue their strong conference performance.

The team has started off this season 3-1 with a 4-0 win over North Carolina Wesleyan College on Aug. 30, followed by a two to one overtime win against 22-ranked John Hopkins University on Aug. 31 at the University of Mary Washington Classic.

They continued this good form traveling to the John Hopkins University Classic with a 2-1 win over sixth-ranked Montclair State University and ended their three-game winning streak with a one to zero loss to Washington and Lee University in the second period of overtime.

The CAC tournament begins on Nov. 2 with the final on Nov. 9, though the Eagles start conference play Sept.

28 home against St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

“Our goals for this season are like they are every season, win the conference championship and make a run into the NCAA Tournament,” said senior captain Lucas Turney.

“With that said, the other captain, Jake Lovinger, and I have emphasized that in order to reach our goals we need to use every practice, weight room session and game to get better. Our goal

is to win, yes, but winning is the product this approach as the season comes along, of taking every day as an opportunity to as it has become a cornerstone in our improve.” program.”

The Eagles finished the season last “One of our coaches, Mike Webb, fall as the regular season conference says ‘good teams find a way to win,’ and champions and back-to-back tournament I believe that is where we are now,” said champions. This has landed the Eagles at Turney. the top of the conference rankings by the Ahrens also agreed with this when he 2019 Capital Athletic Conference Men’s said, “it is up to us as a program to be Soccer Preseason Poll. able to adapt and learn to beat teams in “Being two-time CAC defending many ways.” champion puts a big target on our backs.

After winning the CAC championship We will get every team’s best shot,” said in both the 2017 and 2018 seasons, senior Ben Ahrens. the team’s post-season ended in the Turney agreed with having a target first round of the Division III NCAA on their backs this season and said, “The tournament. In 2017, they lost 2-0 teams we play bring a lot of energy when against Washington and Lee. In 2018, they face us so it’s important that we they lost 4-1 to Eastern University after bring the same intensity to every game a game-deciding penalty shoot-out we play.” determined the 1-1 draw.

The Eagles graduated five seniors Despite cutting it close in previous last year but have 13 new freshmen in seasons, the team is determined to make addition to the 22 returning players from it deeper into the NCAA tournament last season. this semester. Lovinger said, “We have In regards to how the team’s playing our sights on reaching the sweet 16 and style has progressed in comparison elite 8 where we believe that anything is to last season, senior captain Jacob possible with the talent and experience Lovinger feels confident in this year’s we have on our squad.” approach by the team.

“Every year our style varies depending on the personnel but due to guys stepping up into roles that were filled by seniors last year, we are continuing to build on our balance of direct and possessionoriented play that we executed this past season,” said Lovinger. “The expectation is to The team is at the top of the CAC pre-season poll.

UMW Athletics continue to improve

University of Mary Washington Fall Sports Schedule

Women’s Soccer (1-3)

Sep. 7 L vs. Washington and Lee (3-2) Sep. 8 L vs. Bridgewater (Va.) (1-0) Sep. 11 vs. Randolph-Macon (postponed) Sep. 14 @ Va. Wesleyan Sep. 18 vs. N.C. Wesleyan

Men’s Soccer (3-1)

Sep. 7 W vs. Montclair St.(2-1)

@ Johns Hopkins Classic Sep. 8 L vs. Johns Hopkins (1-0)

@ Johns Hopkins Classic Sep. 11 ? @ Lynchburg (?-?)

Sep. 14 @ Roanoke Sep. 18 @ Catholic

Field Hockey (2-1)

Sep. 1 L @ Johns Hopkins (2-1) Sep. 7 W vs. DePauw (3-2) Sep. 10 W vs. Bridgewater (Va.) (3-2) Sep. 14 @ Franklin & Marshall Sep. 18 @ Shenandoah

Volleyball (2-3)

Sep. 4 L vs. Randolph-Macon (3-2) Sep. 10 W @ McDaniel (3-1) Sep. 13 vs. Washington and Lee Sep. 14 vs. Johns Hopkins Sep. 14 vs. Va. Weslyan

Men’s Rugby (0-1)

Sep. 7 L vs. Kutztown University (36-8) Sep. 21 @ Penn State University Oct. 12 @ Wheeling Jesuit University Oct. 26 @ Army Nov. 2 vs. St. Bonaventure Nov. 9 vs. Notre Dame College Senior captain Lucas Turney.

UMW Athletics

The team has yet to break out of the first round of the DIII NCAA tournament. UMW Athletics

Women’s Rugby (0-0)

Sep. 14 vs. Virginia Commonwealth Sep. 21 vs. Old Dominion Sep. 28 vs. Maryland Oct. 5 vs. Longwood Oct. 19 vs. Alumni Oct. 26 @ William & Mary

Full Schedule not listed above.

Most recent games included.

Bold indicates home game.

Men’s soccer, two-time CAC defending championship team, maintains momentum with incoming freshmen.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

UMW Athletics

8